On Europe Day, citizens will have the opportunity to visit all European institutions in Brussels and beyond, to learn more about what Europe does for and with them.
European Parliament
The Europe Day event at the European Parliament on May 4 will begin with an opening ceremony with Vice-President Marc Ange (S&D, LU). The day will continue with activities for all ages, with information stands and short sessions on combating disinformation, women in politics and election campaigning. Citizens will be invited to learn how to vote in the European elections, why voting is important and how to make a difference in protecting democracy. There will be guided tours of the VOTE Exhibition (Parlamentarium) in Brussels. See the full program here and events taking place in the 27 EU countries here.
Council of the European Union
On May 4, during the Brussels Council, visitors will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of European leaders. Guided tours will be organized throughout the day, without prior registration, allowing citizens to also discover the architecture of the Council buildings. Younger children will enjoy a series of dedicated activities including a treasure hunt. Each of the 27 Member States will have a stand presenting their national traditions, culinary specialties and tourist attractions. Visitors will be able to discover them interactively and attend live performances. An exhibition will be dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the enlargement of the EU in 2004. More information available here.
European Commission
On May 4, citizens are invited to visit the Berlaymont building. The Commission will give citizens the opportunity to discover its role, explore thematic villages created for the occasion and discover the history of the EU and our values. Visitors will have the chance to discover what the Commission is doing to defend our democracy, our diversity and how we are building a more digital and greener future. A dedicated section will present our support for Ukraine. Special activities will mark the 20th anniversary of EU enlargement in 2004, 25 years of the euro and 30 years of the single market. The full program is available here. The representations in the Member States will also organize events.
European Central Bank
Citizens will have the opportunity to learn more about the euro, the common currency of 20 EU countries, the digital euro project and what the ECB is doing to maintain price stability and banking security . On May 4, citizens will be able to meet ECB experts at the European Commission in Brussels (more information here). Also that evening, the ECB will open its doors in Frankfurt to pre-registered visitors as part of the “Museum Night” initiative and join the May 9 Frankfurt European Festival.
European Court of Auditors
On May 9, EU auditors in Luxembourg will offer interactive and engaging games, as well as the opportunity for citizens to take a quiz to test their auditing skills. Families and people of all ages will be able to discover how the Court helps protect EU citizens’ money. Full program here.
European External Action Service
Visitors to the European External Action Service are invited on May 4 to immerse themselves in the dynamic work of the EU diplomatic service in Brussels and around the world. They will speak with EU ambassadors and learn about the EU’s role in promoting peace, human rights and sustainable development around the world. They will enjoy live music, dance performances, workshops and collect culinary inspirations from various places around the world. The immersive journey will be further enriched by screenings of various films in the cinema room. Children will be our special guests with lots of fun activities including a puppet show. Full program here.
European Economic and Social Committee
The house of European organized civil society will open its doors in Brussels on May 4. Committee members will engage in lively discussions with people and hear their concerns. The day’s program includes interactive games, an EU quiz, live music and activities for children. By visiting the EESC building, citizens will also be able to welcome EESC members and staff after a cycling race aimed at raising awareness of the European elections. Full agenda here.
European Committee of the Regions
The Assembly of Regions and Cities of the EU will open its premises in Brussels on May 4 to bring together citizens and regional and local elected officials. Interactive stands and activities will provide the opportunity to learn more about the role and commitment of the Committee of the Regions to reducing the distance between the EU and its local communities. To mark this day – and the 30th anniversary of the Committee – a celebration of regions and cities with tastings, quizzes and a digital show will be an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our territories. More information here.
European Investment Bank
On the stand of the European Investment Bank on the occasion of Europe Day in Brussels on May 4 and in Luxembourg on May 9 (see details here), visitors can discover the emblematic projects financed by the Bank in their country. They will also be able to learn about EIB-funded initiatives, such as local hospitals, transport infrastructure such as trains or subways, or flood dams protecting their hometown. They will be able to interact with EU-related information and take a quiz for a chance to win a prize!
Background
On May 9, Europe commemorates the founding document of the EU – the Schuman Declaration. Signed on May 9, 1950, the declaration constitutes the springboard towards cooperation in Europe and peace on our continent. Europe Day is a symbol of the openness, transparency, democracy and unity of the EU.
This year’s edition of Europe Day takes place 45 years after the first European elections in 1979, and shortly before the 2024 elections which will take place between June 6-9 in all EU countries.
Originally published in The European Times.
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